The football stars brought back together by Harry Redknapp say they’re glad they played in the 90s rather than today – despite the huge pay packets.

Back in their era a typical match day involved a full fry-up plus steak and chips before the game – with lashings of beer later.

And the football legends agree that while training, physio and nutrition have all improved, and wages have increased tenfold, you simply couldn’t put a price on the fun they had or the way they played.

Tough defender Razor Ruddock said: “I think in our era we played proper football - my era over their wages without a doubt.”

Matt Le Tissier (Image: Mirrorpix)

Attacking midfielder Matt Le Tissier, who lost over 10kilos during the 12 week training programme for the ITV show, agreed. “I had such a good time that I couldn’t wish to play in any different era.

"It was such a cracking time to play, football has become a little bit soft - new laws - I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.”

Mark Wright (Image: Mirrorpix)

Former Liverpool defender Mark Wright said he’d be plagued by red cards these days.

He added: “I loved playing in my era just because it was competitive, top man’s game.

"I doubt I could’ve played in this era because it’s all pass and move. I think we’d have been off quite quickly with our tackles.”

Playmaker Paul Merson agreed: “I loved it – you went out, you enjoyed yourself and there weren’t any phone cameras, people just let you get on with it.

Paul Merson enjoys a pint (Image: ITV)

"I don’t think with my personality I’d be able to cope. I don’t think I’d have been able to play.”

He said that in terms of pre-match nutrition players would eat “as much pasta as you could” on a Friday. “Now it’s obviously rice and chicken and broccoli and a lot of protein drinks”.

John Barnes – who was unable to train properly because of an injury - says healthy eating was not a part of the 90s game.

John Barnes (Image: Mirrorpix)

“When I went to Liverpool, pre-match meal was a fillet steak and straight after the game we stopped off at the chippie.”

Lee Sharpe says he misses the laughs as much as anything.

“When we played there were so many funny guys, more banter in the dressing room, no social media so we could have the odd night out where the team could have a couple of drinks... I’m definitely glad I played when I did.”

It’s a feeling shared by Robbie Fowler.

Robbie Fowler (Image: Mirrorpix)

“The days, the months, the years you’re with your team is brilliant and it’s probably quite a cliché but I think it’s the best time of our life.”

Legendary goalie David Seaman reckons the modern day experience is far removed from what they enjoyed.

David Seaman (Image: Mirrorpix)

“Back then we were having a good time. I’m not saying they’re not having a good time now, but it’s in a different way.”

Redknapp said he’d loved making the two-part documentary, which airs next week. “They’re all such good lads, every single one of them. Really smashing. I think they’d win the premier league this group – a forward line of Waddle, Le Tissier, Fowler and Merson. I mean what would Man United or anyone else give you for that forward line?”